Definition

Not showing kindness or understanding towards someone else's feelings or problems.

Example

His unsympathetic response made her feel even worse about the situation.

Conversation

Did you see how he treated her?

Yeah, I thought it was really unsympathetic of him.

Exactly! I can't believe he didn't even apologize.

Right? It's like he doesn't care about anyone's feelings.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unsympathetic → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "sympathetic" (from Greek "sympatheia", meaning fellow feeling or compassion). The word "unsympathetic" means not having or showing compassion or understanding for others' feelings.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') having 'fellow feeling' ('sympatheia') — that's why unsympathetic means lacking compassion.

Visually Confused Words